Everglide Bamboo Green vs. HMX KD200

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience, and two popular options that stand out are the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch. The Bamboo Green switches are celebrated for their unique clacky sound signature and a crisp, sparkling tactility, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy a pronounced feedback while typing. Their stepped and high-pitched characteristics add a spirited feel that many typists appreciate. On the other hand, the HMX KD200, known as the clackiest member of its family, offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke that appeals to gamers and typists seeking speed and fluidity without the tactile bump. While the Bamboo Green may enhance the emotional connectivity with each keystroke, the KD200 provides an efficient and seamless typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Everglide Bamboo Green Tactile

HMX KD200 Linear

$9.67

$7.19 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the HMX KD200, significant differences are apparent. The Bamboo Green uses PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) for both its top and bottom housings, which results in a unique sound profile characterized as neutral. This neutrality means that while the sound produced isn't distinctly sharp or overly muted, it strikes a balance that many users find favorable. In contrast, the KD200 employs nylon for its top and bottom housings, which are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than the harder PBT, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder. These contrasting materials play a crucial role in determining the auditory experience when using each switch.

Moreover, the impact of these materials extends beyond the sound profile to the tactile feedback experienced by users. With the Bamboo Green’s PBT housing, the actuation feels firm yet stable, adhering to a balanced typing experience that many typists favor. Conversely, the KD200's nylon housing provides a different tactile sensation; the softer plastic may provide a slight cushion during typing, which can enhance the overall comfort for extended use. Since the qualities of the housing materials influence the feel and sound during typing, users will notice the Bamboo Green’s PBT contributes to a more neutral experience, while the KD200's nylon enables a plusher and deeper interaction with each keystroke.

Despite these differences, there are commonalities that both switches can provide to users seeking a consistently good typing experience. As the bottom housing tends to have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, both the Bamboo Green and KD200 can still yield satisfying results within the confines of their respective materials. If a user prefers a more muted experience that is neither overly sharp nor excessively dull, the Bamboo Green's PBT may serve them well. Alternatively, those seeking a rounded sound that is rich and deeper could find the KD200’s nylon housing preferable. Ultimately, your experience will depend on which feel and sound profile aligns more closely with your typing preferences, yet both switches are designed to deliver quality performance in their own right.

Weight

The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch present a contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Bamboo Green features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which positions it as a medium-weight switch, appealing to users who like a well-rounded typing experience. In comparison, the KD200 has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams but a notably lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the KD200 requires a similar amount of force to actuate, it offers a lighter feel at the end of the keypress compared to the Bamboo Green. Consequently, the Bamboo Green is heavier overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a substantial typing feel, while the KD200, being lighter, caters to users who value comfort during extended use, such as in long gaming sessions or work environments.

Travel distance

The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option when compared to the HMX KD200 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance may affect user experience: those who favor the Bamboo Green may appreciate the deeper actuation, which can provide a more tactile and satisfying feel during typing or gaming. On the other hand, the KD200's shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm caters to users who prioritize speed and responsiveness, especially in gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. Ultimately, if you favor a more pronounced keystroke, the Bamboo Green would be ideal, whereas the KD200 is better suited for those who prefer a quicker response time.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profile of the Everglide Bamboo Green switches, users will notice a distinctive clacky sound that offers a sharp and crisp auditory experience. This high-pitched resonance is complemented by a clean and immersive character, making each keystroke feel engaging and vibrant. In contrast, the HMX KD200 linear switches are emphasized as the clackiest member of their family, suggesting that they possess similar sharpness. However, the exact sound characteristics of the KD200 are unspecified, leaving room for uncertainty about how it compares to the Bamboo Green. Hence, while both switches offer a lively auditory feedback, the Bamboo Green's detailed description provides more clear expectations for users seeking specific acoustic qualities.

Regarding the feel, the Bamboo Green switches excel in delivering a tactile experience that is complex and nuanced. Their stepped design allows for a noticeable tactile bump that provides clear feedback without being overwhelming, making it a comfortable option for prolonged typing sessions. The tactility is accentuated, so users can expect a sharp bump that is polished and smooth, resulting in confident key presses. On the other hand, the HMX KD200's tactile characteristics remain unknown. Without additional information about its feel, one can only speculate as to whether it offers a similar tactile experience or if it diverges into a different realm altogether.

In summary, if you're weighing your options between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, you'll find that the Bamboo Green offers a vivid auditory and tactile profile characterized by its clackiness, sharp tactility, and polished feel. While the KD200's acoustic output suggests a similar emphasis on sound, its tactile feedback remains unspecified, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. Therefore, if sound quality is paramount for your typing experience, the Bamboo Green is a clear choice, whereas the KD200 might merit further exploration once more details around its tactile attributes are available.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you find joy in an engaging and tactile typing experience, the Bamboo Green is an excellent choice with its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, providing a crisp and resonant sound profile that enhances the auditory experience. These switches are particularly suitable for typists who appreciate that tactile feedback and enjoy a straightforward, yet pronounced response without feeling overwhelmed. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother, linear action, the HMX KD200, with its lighter 50 grams bottom-out force, may be more to your liking. Known for its clackiness and rapid response, the KD200 is a great fit for gamers and fast typists who seek a fluid keypress with no tactile bump. Therefore, consider what you value most in your keyboard experience—be it the crispness and tactility of the Bamboo Green or the seamless, smooth action of the HMX KD200—as that will guide you in making the best choice for your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Bamboo Green Tactile

$9.67

$7.19 per 10

Learn more

HMX KD200 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more